evidently my 01 V70 uses synthetic power steering fluid and the stuff is not readily available around here. Anyone know if the Royal Purple 01326 Max EZ fluid will work?

 

Probably will, but I'd give their tech guy a call just to be sure :

The number is 281 354 8600. I call them from time to time when I have a lubricant question. I get through almost immediately and they are always very helpful.

 

I personally would stick to whatever is stated in the Owner's Guide. I see little benefit by introducing synthetic PWS fluid into the system, and the only synthetic fluid I know of that works well is the engine oil.

Just my 2 cents and others may have valuable info on the positive side.


JPN

 

Au contraire, I see lots of benefits to using fluids that are superior in every way (except price) to the stuff recommended in the owners manual, which, in the case of my cars, was printed 20 years ago. Since we're talking about power steering, I should mention that both my bricks, a '91 745T and an '89 245, have power steering issues. The '91 has "hard spots" when turning the wheel and the '89 has zero power assist when turning left. In the case of the '91, I am looking at replacing the rack, which I believe is just worn out. The '89 has fluid that looks like chocolate milk, so I'm going to try flushing it and maybe freeing up whatever valve is stuck in there before replacing it. I wish the previous owners had used synthetics, or at least been a little more diligent with regard to fluid changes.

79lilred said that his '01 V70 "uses" synthetic power steering fluid; I assumed he got that from the owner's guide, in which case the only issue would be whether Royal Purple is an acceptable brand to use. Personally, I have had excellent results with their products, most notably a fuel mileage improvement over Mobil 1, which I used for years. But it never hurts to check..